Role of B cells for the generation and maintenance of follicular B helper T cells

• Antragstellerin: Dr. Nina Chevalier
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Immunologie
• Förderung: Förderung von 2008 bis 2011
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 103421806

T cell help for B cells is essential for high-affinity antibody responses and specific B-cell memory. Recently, the identity of a discrete T cell subset, termed follicular B helper T cells (TFH cells), has become clearer. TFH cells are undoubtedly distinguishable from TH1 and TH2 cells by several criteria, including receptor expression (CXCR5), location (B cell follicles or germinal centres) and function (B-cell help). Consequently, disregulation of TFH cell function or TFH associated molecules contributes to the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiencies. The details of the genesis and maintenance of TFH cell memory are however not entirely clear. Therefore the goal of this project is to better understand how a persistent TFH cell population is generated and maintained. Since B cells are able of both presenting specific antigen to TFH cells within the germinal centres and of providing a wide spectrum of co-stimulation, we will especially address the question, of how B cells and B cell related molecular interactions are involved in the formation of a persisting TFH cell population. These questions will be examined by the use of a co-culture system based on human tonsillar cells as well as by the use of different mouse models.

• DFG-Verfahren: Forschungsstipendien
• Internationaler Bezug: Australien, Schweiz
• Gastgeberin: Professorin Dr. Federica Sallusto